A night in Spain, tango obsession and world sports

June 1, 2012

Siri Bulusu

Men classically dominate the global sports scene. Their female counterparts go unnoticed, especially in developing nations. Elizabeth Stanton, a journalist and documentary filmmaker, traveled to Ecuador on assignment. She noticed a void in coverage of female sports. Thus, she created the “Through Her Eyes Project,” a multimedia experience consisting of large-scale photos and short documentary installments profiling Ecuadorian women in sports.

"I came back after working at the New York Times because I noticed that there was little work being done regarding women sports in developing countries," Stanton said. "I wanted to do a project that would profile these women and tell stories that weren’t being told."

If sports aren’t your preferred way to break a sweat, why not try Tango? Sexy is an understatement when you describe the music and dance concert Tango Obsession, featuring Ian+Ani and the Tango 21 Dance Company. The innovative music duo is made up of Ian Maksin, a Russian native and cellist, and pianist Ani Gorgova, a native of Bulgaria. Gorgova's small frame is no indication of how she pounds the black and white keys! This is the second year they will incorporate dance into their show. This year features the Tango 21 Dance Company, lead by Jorge Niedas, and dancers from the Geoffrey Ballet Company. Check out their trailer:

Nothing tops off a weekend abroad like a "Night in Spain." St. John Cantius Church wraps up this season’s concert series with an evening of dancing, music and food. The Chicago landmark (it really is on the Chicago Architectural tour) alternates Spanish dance by Las Compañeras, and the music of Joaquin Turina, Manuel Ponce and Ernesto LeCuona. Soprano Amy Conn also performs. Top that off with local restaurants donating food to last the night... "Es demasiadobueno para ser verdad" (It's too good to be true)!

St. John Cantius Church, 825 N. Carpenter Street, presents a Night in Spain Saturday June 2 starting at 6 p.m.